The American Legion Community Band will present its annual Independence Day Concert on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. This festive event will be held at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in Front Royal, Virginia, and promises an evening of music and celebration.

Following the concert, attendees can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at dusk, around 9:15 p.m. While the concert itself is free, parking is charged. Visitors can park for $5.00 off Harmony Hollow Road or for $10.00 along 4-H Center Drive. This small fee helps support the venue’s maintenance and operations, ensuring a smooth experience for all guests.

A Tradition of Music and Community

The American Legion Community Band, based in Front Royal, Virginia, has been a cherished part of the community since its formation in 1986. Sponsored by the Giles B. Cook Post #53 of the American Legion, the band is composed of volunteer musicians from the local area. Their dedication to bringing music to the community is evident in their numerous yearly performances.

The band offers a diverse repertoire under the baton of conductors Ed Richards, Ronald Dye, and Mark Malechek. Their performances range from classical compositions to popular tunes, marches, and even operatic overtures. The band’s versatility ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Join the Band

The American Legion Community Band is always welcoming new members. They hold rehearsals every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Fulton Fine Arts Complex band room at Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal. Anyone who plays an instrument and is interested in joining is encouraged to attend a rehearsal.

A Year-Round Commitment to Music

The band’s performance season runs from September through July, featuring various indoor and outdoor performances. These events, all free and open to the public, are a testament to the band’s commitment to enhancing the community’s cultural fabric. Whether performing at concerts, community festivals, or special events like the Independence Day Concert, the American Legion Community Band consistently delivers high-quality musical experiences.

About the Venue

The Northern Virginia 4-H Center, located in the scenic town of Front Royal, provides a perfect backdrop for the Independence Day Concert. The center, known for its community-focused activities and beautiful surroundings, is an ideal location for an evening of music and celebration. For more information about the venue, visit the Northern Virginia 4-H Center.

For more details about the band and its activities, visit the American Legion Community Band website. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a night of wonderful music and dazzling fireworks with family and friends. Mark your calendars for July 5, 2024, and celebrate Independence Day with the American Legion Community Band.

Summer is in full swing! It’s time for a vacation, and you want to celebrate with the family in the backyard. You’ve thought about it, scoured magazines, and paced the floor; what’s the best way to ensure your guests have a good time and are well-fed? Organize a Meshwi: a Middle Eastern-style barbecue where a whole animal is skewered and roasted to perfection. Here’s everything you need to know to make your gourmet project a success (and to make the neighbors jealous!).

Buy the Right Tools

Since you’ll be roasting an entire animal, you must use sturdy equipment to handle the weight. Many companies offer rental services. A quick online search will turn up various rental sets of metal vats and roasting spits at reasonable prices. Ensure you have a strong spit that can support the weight of the animal and rotate smoothly for even cooking.

Choose the Meat

Meshwi is traditionally made with lamb or mutton, but you can also opt for pork, piglet, wild boar, or goat. For the highest-quality meat, buy from your local butcher or directly from the farmer. Pro tip: allow between 11 and 14 ounces of meat per guest. This ensures everyone is well-fed and has enough leftovers for the next day.

Skewer the Meat

You don’t want the meat falling into the fire while cooking, do you? Ensure the spit comes out evenly on both sides of the meat to distribute the weight evenly. The legs can also be secured with wire or string to keep everything in place. If you’re uncomfortable with this step, ask your butcher for help. Properly securing the meat is crucial for even cooking and avoiding any mishaps.

Season and Baste

Once the meat has been skewered, coat it with a dry rub of your favorite spices. As the spit rotates over the fire, baste it periodically. Take inspiration from Moroccan vinaigrettes, or let your imagination run wild by using beer or soft drinks. Avoid using too much butter or oil, which could burn the Meshwi. A well-seasoned and basted meat will have a delicious, flavorful crust and remain juicy.

Cooking and Serving

The charcoal you use should weigh twice as much as the animal’s weight. Allow 15 minutes of cooking time per two pounds of meat. Ensure the meat turns continuously so it cooks evenly. An electric spit is excellent for this! Carefully remove the spit once the meat is cooked (it will be very hot!) and carve the delicious meat. Serve the salads brought by your guests, get out the good bottle of wine you’ve reserved for the occasion, and enjoy the sunshine!

With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a fantastic Meshwi that will impress your guests and create lasting memories.

Do you know someone taking opioids prescribed by a doctor or bought illegally? Here’s what you need to know to help them if they overdose.

Know the Signs

Recognizing the symptoms of an opioid overdose can save a life. If someone you know is showing the following symptoms, they may be overdosing:

• Blue or Gray Tinge: Their lips and fingernails have a blue or gray tinge.
• Cold and Clammy Skin: Their skin feels cold and clammy to the touch.
• Difficulty Talking, Walking, or Staying Awake: They struggle with basic activities and might seem disoriented.
• Unresponsiveness: They don’t react when you make a noise or shout their name.
• Breathing Problems: They struggle to breathe or stop breathing altogether.
• Unconsciousness: They remain unconscious even if you aggressively rub their sternum.

Act Fast

If you suspect someone is overdosing, it is crucial to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:

1. Call 911: Immediately call emergency services and follow the instructions given to you.
2. Administer Naloxone: If available, administer naloxone, an antidote for opioid overdoses. It can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose.
3. Perform Chest Compressions or Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation: If necessary, perform these life-saving techniques to keep the person breathing.
4. Monitor the Person: If the person regains consciousness, gently turn them on their side and wait for help to arrive. This position helps prevent choking if they vomit.
5. Be Prepared to Administer a Second Dose: The effects of naloxone are limited, so you may need to administer a second dose if the person relapses into an overdose state.

Remember, no matter what, the person must always be taken to the hospital, even if they seem to recover. Professional medical care is essential to ensure their safety.

What’s Naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving antidote to opioid overdoses. It works by quickly reversing the effects of opioids on the brain and restoring normal breathing. Naloxone is available in various forms, including intranasal sprays and injectable solutions. In its intranasal form, it is often available for free and without a prescription from many pharmacies and community organizations.

Having naloxone on hand and knowing how to use it can make a critical difference in an emergency. Training sessions and resources are often provided by local health departments and community organizations, ensuring that more people are equipped to respond to an overdose.

Be Prepared, Save a Life

Opioid overdoses can happen to anyone taking these powerful medications, whether prescribed or obtained illegally. Being informed, prepared, and ready to act can save lives. By knowing the signs of an overdose, having access to naloxone, and understanding the steps to take in an emergency, you can help prevent a tragic outcome.

Does a celebrity share a birthday with you?

July 17 – Lucie Arnaz, 73, actress, Los Angeles, CA, 1951.By GoodNewsNetwork.org 

1 – Dan Aykroyd, 72, actor, Ottawa, ON, Canada, 1952.

2 – Margot Robbie, 34, actress, (The Legend of Tarzan), Dalby, Australia, 1990.

3 – Montel Williams, 68, talk show host, Baltimore, MD, 1956.

4 – Eva Marie Saint, 100, actress (Oscar for On the Waterfront), Newark, NJ, 1924.

5 – Francois Arnaud, 39, actor, Montreal, QC, Canada, 1985.

6 – Kevin Hart, 45, comedian, actor, Philadelphia, PA, 1980.

7 – Jorja Fox, 56, actress (CSI), New York, NY, 1968.

8 – Sophia Bush, 42, actress (Chicago P.D.), Pasadena, CA, 1982.

9 – Richard Roundtree, 82, actor (Shaft), New Rochelle, NY, 1942.

10 – Arlo Guthrie, 77, singer, Brooklyn, NY, 1947.

11 – Jacoby Jones, 40, former football player, New Orleans, LA, 1984.

12 – Malala Yousafzai, 27, activist for female education, Mingora, Pakistan, 1997.

13 – Jose Andres, 55, chef, b orn Jose Ramon Andres Puerta, Mieres, Spain, 1969.

14 – Matthew Fox, 58, actor (Lost), Crowheart, WY, 1966.

15 – Iain Armitage, 16, actor (Young Sheldon), Georgia, 2008.

16 – Jayma Mays, 45, actress (Glee), Grundy, VA, 1979.

17 – Lucie Arnaz, 73, actress, Los Angeles, CA, 1951.

18 – Priyanka Chopra, 42, actress (Quantico), Jamshedpur, India, 1982.

19 – Ilie Nastase, 78, Hall of Fame tennis player, Bucharest, Romania, 1946.

20 – Gisele Bundchen, 44, model, Horizontina, Brazil, 1980.

21 – Anya Chalotra, 28, actress (The Witcher), Wolverhampton, England, 1996.

22 – Selena Gomez, 32, singer, actress (Wizards of Waverly Place), Grand Prairie, TX, 1992.

23 – Daniel Radcliffe, 35, actor, (Harry Potter films), London, England, 1989.

24 – Mitch Grassi, 32, singer (Pentatonix), Arlington, TX, 1992.

25 – Miriam Shor, 53, actress (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Minneapolis, MN, 1971.

26 – Liz Truss, 49, former prime minister of UK, Oxford, England, 1975.

27 – Maureen McGovern, 75, singer, actress, Youngstown, OH, 1949.

28 – John David Washington, 40, actor (Ballers), Los Angeles, CA, 1984.

29 – Josh Radnor, 50, actor (Mercy Street), Columbus, OH, 1974.

30 – Gina Rodriguez, 40, actress (Jane the Virgin), Chicago, IL, 1984.

31 – Rico Rodriguez, 26, actor (Modern Family), College Station, TX, 1998.

Do you spend hours worrying about what others think of you? Are you afraid that people judge you based on their perceptions? Do you feel inadequate because of your appearance, family, friends, or strangers? If so, you’re not alone. Everyone experiences self-doubt. But the question is, do you care about their opinions?

We all want to be accepted, liked, appreciated, and respected by others. We’ve all faced rejection and criticism at some point. Some of us can brush it off, while others feel it deeply. But what happens when you let others’ opinions affect you negatively?

It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about what others think, whether at school or in your professional life. You might feel like you’re not good enough because you lack experience or worry that you don’t fit in. The problem is that you should never let others’ opinions bother you. It’s not your responsibility to make others like you or to change their opinions.

If you’re worried that people won’t like you because you’re new, focus on your strengths and weaknesses. The key is to get comfortable with yourself and embrace your differences. Work on your weaknesses, but know your strengths first. Use those strengths to overcome your weaknesses. This process takes time, but gradually, people will notice and appreciate the changes in you.

If you’re worried about not fitting in at work, be brave and try to do things differently. Don’t let the fear of being laughed at or made fun of stop you. Put yourself out there and be your authentic self. Make mistakes, but push yourself. Successful people don’t let others control their actions. They stay true to themselves and what makes them happy.

Some successful people avoid others entirely to stay true to their beliefs. You won’t fear judgment if you believe in what you’re doing. To succeed, you must overcome any fears that keep you from pursuing your dreams. Some people think they’ll never be understood or good enough. They’re living in a fantasy. People have different opinions about successful individuals, but most will see you as just another human being.

The greatest obstacle to accomplishing your dreams is fear. Fear can stop you from even trying. You must realize there’s no right or wrong way to achieve your goals. Don’t let fear stop you from trying. If you don’t try, you’ll never know, and there’s no sense in waiting until you’re ready.

As humans, we’re naturally afraid of the unknown. But when it comes to your goals, let go of that fear. Many people fear failure because it can be terrifying, especially after putting in so much effort. You might be afraid that no matter how hard you work, you might still fail. That’s why you don’t pursue your dreams.

But what if there’s a way to overcome your fears and pursue your dreams? The answer is simple: start acting as though you’ve already succeeded. If you’re afraid of failure, act like you’re already succeeding. Instead of focusing on your fears, act like you’ve achieved everything you wanted.

You’d be surprised how quickly you’ll feel successful. The key is to do what you truly want and overcome your fears. You’re not controlling your future, but you might find peace and contentment as you live your dreams.

If you truly believe in yourself, you won’t care what others think. If you don’t, you’re the one living in a fantasy world. To be successful, you must stop caring about others’ opinions. You’re the only one who can control your actions, not anyone else.

Amid projects that are still coming to fruition, Reaching Out Now (RON), a non-profit organization revitalizing the Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center for its upcoming opening, brought together many of the key players in the RON story on Wednesday, June 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the George Washington Grand Hotel in Winchester.

Samantha and Joe Barber open the Out of the Shadows leadership gala event of June 19 with warm words of welcome to those in attendance. Photos courtesy of Ian Rushing, Toy Box Studios

What was special about the event was not necessarily the elegant purple flowers that adorned every table or the soft glow of artificial lights in a room whose window shades were lowered but the overwhelming sense that every single person in that room, without exception, was being watched. That is the gift that RON president Samantha Barber gives everyone she meets, and the leadership gala was an extraordinary outpouring of that gift. You are seen. You are appreciated. That is what everyone who received an award that night was verbally recognized or had the honor of attending doubtlessly felt.

RON, an organization whose history goes back to 2008, has been established in Warren County and at the developing youth center in Front Royal as a team of talented and exceptionally motivated people with a vision for reaching young people in this community. Their vision has, in part, been achieved already through programs like Safe at Home, which have featured baseball and softball games with an overarching theme of mental health awareness, as well as the YES Leadership Program, which focuses on expediting the journey of our youth into bright and productive futures. They have worked closely with the school system, even hosting “family night out” dinners in school buildings, and at the onset of the pandemic, they delivered seventy-five thousand meals to people in need. Their roots in this community go deep.

Shelly Cook (above) received the 2024 Female Entrepreneur Award; Mike McCool, President of National Media Services, Inc. and Publisher of the Royal Examiner (below), received the Male Entrepreneur Award.

Somebody who is watching from a different place was honored on Wednesday evening. Harlee Hire, daughter of Toby Hire, who stood with Samantha Barber at the podium, was lost to suicide in 2022. Her passing occurred at a time when Safe At Home was getting off the ground, and it made sense to both Barber and Hire to name a scholarship in her honor in the aftermath of Harlee’s departure. The scholarship comes from the proceeds of Safe At Home events. Within the past few months, both Barber and Hire sat down with the Royal Examiner and shared the joy and pain surrounding Harlee’s story. Very much an extrovert, Harlee was a bright soul who practiced radical encouragement; everyone she knew felt loved and appreciated. But she struggled in the darkness of depression, which was in part informed by the death in a boating accident of her friend Nate Jenkins, who is also an inspiration to the RON family. Through tears at the gala event, Barber and Hire paid tribute to the phenomenon, which was Harlee. They underscored their desire to create a safe place in the youth center dedicated to reaching young people who are likely battling feelings they cannot overcome.

Christa Shiflett, Executive Director of Warren Coalition, received the Service Above Self Award.

Donna Rae Hinze (left) received the Lillian Sloan Legacy Award. Donna is a retired teacher. The award was presented by Lillian Sloan (right).

Some of the blazing comets of success that pay tribute to the Santmyer’s legacy are public servants like councilmen Glenn Wood and Bruce Rappaport and Warren County Sheriff Crystal Cline. To talk to any of them is to hear a passionate tale of how the youth center was available to them at pivotal times in their lives and gave them a much-needed sense of guidance and direction. They felt seen. They felt appreciated. And if RON is successful, that legacy will no longer merely be a memory. As RON continues to blossom and flourish, more and more people will come into that inner circle, discovering that they are not alone, seen, and appreciated.